The Office of Children and Families holds several annual events and conferences throughout the year. Event pages are updated regularly and include helpful links to schedules, registration forms and program descriptions.

Children's Discovery Fair

The Annual Children’s Discovery Fair for children ages 3-5 with an adult, will take place Saturday, April 13, 2019 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at North Laurel Community Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Rd, Laurel, MD 20723. A celebration for young children and their families, the Howard County Children’s Discovery Fair features FREE hands-on activities related to school readiness, including interactive games, crafts and stories. Admission is FREE. A dental van will be on-site for FREE dental screenings for children ages 2-12 years. For further details, call 410-313-1940 or 410-313-7750, or email children@howardcountymd.gov. This event in celebration of Howard County’s Month of the Young Child is sponsored by the Howard County Early Childhood Advisory Council and Howard County Library System.

Howard County Office of Children and Families Professional Development Institute

Join us for a morning focused on understanding the importance of positive working relationships that are critical to a vibrant and engaging child care program. Leaders of early childhood programs often face high turnover challenges that lead to discontent within the workplace. Early educators will gain an understanding on how to keep internal motivations high by learning secrets for enhancing soft skills, principles on rebounding from road blocks and how to use specific tools to deal with negativity.

Donna Thorton-Roberts is an inspirational speaker, with more than 25 years of experience leading people, programs and organizations. She has been an entrepreneur for over 30 years and has worked with business owners and managers to increase effectiveness and profitability in various markets including early education, religious organizations, non-profit organizations, retail, finance and the service industries.

Early Care and Education Conference

Early childhood professionals and child care providers are invited to attend a day of networking and professional development exploring nature and play-based activities with children. This annual conference features engaging breakout sessions and a variety of vendors focused on high-quality play and nature experiences for all children.

Children On Board Child Care and Preschool Information Fair

Parents, guardians, grandparents and child care personnel, mark your calendars for the 2020 Preschool & Child Care Information Fair "Children on Board" on Saturday, February 1, 2020 from 1-4 pm. This annual Fair offers a “one stop shop" for information on child care, pre-school and summer programs, as well as an opportunity for personal contact with teachers and program directors. Representatives from community service organizations that offer programs and services to Howard County’s young children will also be on hand to provide information to interested parents. Attendees will also have the opportunity to attend free informational sessions on “How to Choose an Early Childhood Program” offered at 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. by the Parents As Teacher’s Program. For more information, view the program, or contact the Office of Children and Families by calling 410-313-1940 or emailing children@howardcountymd.gov.

Children's Discovery Fair

The Annual Children’s Discovery Fair for children ages 3-5 with an adult, will take place Saturday, April 14, 2018 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Cradlerock Elementary School, 6700 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD 21045. A celebration for young children and their families, the Howard County Children’s Discovery Fair features FREE hands-on activities related to school readiness, including interactive games, crafts, and stories. For further details, call 410-313-1940 or 410-313-7750, or email children@howardcountymd.gov. This event in celebration of Howard County’s Month of the Young Child is sponsored by the Howard County Early Childhood Advisory Council and Howard County Library System.

Children's Discovery Fair

The Annual Children’s Discovery Fair for children ages 3-5 with an adult, will take place Saturday, April 14, 2018 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Cradlerock Elementary School, 6700 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD 21045. A celebration for young children and their families, the Howard County Children’s Discovery Fair features FREE hands-on activities related to school readiness, including interactive games, crafts, and stories. For further details, call 410-313-1940 or 410-313-7750, or email children@howardcountymd.gov. This event in celebration of Howard County’s Month of the Young Child is sponsored by the Howard County Early Childhood Advisory Council and Howard County Library System.